Three Women and Three Wolves Eugene Grasset (1841-1917)

The composition presents a scene steeped in symbolism and unsettling atmosphere. Here we observe three female figures positioned within a dense, stylized forest setting. The central figure dominates the visual field; she appears to be suspended mid-motion, her body elongated and rendered in pale, almost spectral tones. Her expression conveys a mixture of fear and determination, while long, dark hair whips around her face, contributing to a sense of frantic movement.
Flanking this central figure are two other women, partially obscured by the trees. The woman on the left possesses fair hair and appears to be looking back with apprehension. To the right, another female is visible, seemingly attempting to flee or assist, though her position is ambiguous.
The forest itself is rendered in vertical bands of orange-red hues, creating a claustrophobic effect and suggesting an oppressive environment. The trees are not depicted realistically; instead, they possess a flattened quality that emphasizes their symbolic function as barriers or guardians.
Most striking are the three wolves positioned at the base of the central trees. Their dark forms contrast sharply with the pale tones of the women and the orange-red foliage. They appear to be snarling, their mouths open in expressions of aggression, suggesting a predatory threat. A discarded object – possibly a horn or musical instrument – lies on the ground near the bottom edge of the composition, adding another layer of enigmatic detail.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of vulnerability, pursuit, and transformation. The womens flight suggests an escape from danger or persecution. The wolves likely represent primal instincts, repressed desires, or perhaps external forces threatening the figures’ safety. Their presence introduces a sense of folklore and myth, hinting at a narrative beyond what is explicitly shown. The spectral quality of the central figure could signify a transition – a movement between states of being, or an embodiment of inner turmoil. The discarded object might symbolize lost innocence, abandoned aspirations, or a broken connection to a former self. Overall, the painting evokes a feeling of psychological tension and invites contemplation on the complexities of human nature and its relationship with the natural world.